Amid shaky trade relationships between Africa and the West, particularly because of threats from the United States, China has stepped in with a big opportunity for Botswana.
According to the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, China has removed import taxes (tariffs) on qualifying products from Botswana with effect from May 1, 2026.
This means local businesses can now sell their products in China’s massive market of 1.4 billion people without paying extra taxes. “This is a big opportunity for Botswana businesses to grow exports and create jobs,” confirmed the ministry in a statement.
The products that qualify include beef and livestock products; processed food and horticultural products; leather and textile products; as well as arts and crafts.
“To ensure seamless trade facilitation, Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) has activated immediate customs procedures. BURS is currently adapting its systems to fast-track documentation, clear export paths and issue the required Rules of Origin certification for China-bound cargo,” the ministry said.
In his first few months in office for his second term, the US President Donald Trump imposed a string of tariffs on products from many countries across the world, Botswana diamonds not sparred the wrath.
This gesture has caused a lot of uncertainty on the US market, including the sustainability of the Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) which has provided a market for Botswana exports to the US. AGOA was extended by another year to the end of 2026.
For their comment, the Botswana Exporters and Manufacturers Association (BEMA) said that China’s zero-tariff access for Botswana presents a major opportunity for export growth, industrialisation and market diversification.
“It gives Botswana products improved access to one of the world’s largest consumer market, making our exports more competitive. However, Botswana will only fully benefit if we increase production capacity, diversify exports and move beyond raw commodities. Botswana already exports to China mainly minerals such as copper ore, concentrates, and diamonds. However, our exports remain heavily commodity-driven,” said the Chief Executive Officer of BEMA Mmantlha Sankoloba.
She appealed to members of BEMA to work on the quality of their products, packaging and branding efforts to meet the Chinese standards.
“Overall, this is a strategic opportunity for Botswana to expand exports, create jobs and strengthen local manufacturing,” she added.
